Color spectrometers are a valuable tool to confirm the quality of the lights you use on your video and film sets. In this continuation of our Color Spectrometer series, we review the Asensetek Lighting Passport spectrometers, looking at its functionality, features, and how well it takes various measurements of light.

We got chance to review the Cool-Lux Classic Cool-Rig, which has the innovative SHIFT Baseplate at its center. What’s impressive about this baseplate is the built-in shoulder mount /chest support that flips down, making the transition from tripod to shoulder quick and easy.

Also part of the rig (and review) are the Cool-Lux walnut grip, universal cheese plate, and three prong battery mount, and well as their carbon fiber iris rods.

Bicolor LED lights sound like a great idea. However does mixing dissimilar lights result in high quality color across the entire range of color temperatures? Or will the entire range of light be sub-par from the manufacturer compromising the LED diode in order to make the two emitters mix?

We extensively tested a bicolor LED from a very well respected LED manufacturer to better understand the issues. We measured the CRI (Ra), CRI (Re), TLCI, CQS, TM-30-15, and color temperature to determine how the color quality stacked up across all levels of brightness (dimming) for the entire color temperature range.

LED ribbon lights are thin, flexible and have limitless possibilities on-set to light your video projects. They now allow you to place light anywhere, including in the palm of an actor’s hand, a prop, or taped to a wall or railing. We cover how to work with ribbon LEDs, review three common brands along with their CRI values, and then suggest useful LED ribbon accessories.

When it comes to LEDs the majority of affordable options on the market do not produce great results. So we were a bit skeptical when we first heard of Aputure’s low cost LED lights. Our results: wow! In this video, we’ll share with you our real world experience with them and how they actually perform on-set.

While some new camera operators may think a follow focus is an unnecessary gadget, they truly are a crucial part of nearly every camera set-ups. Not only do follow focuses make focusing the lens a million times easier and more ergonomic, but it allows you to accurately mark different focus distances.

Did you know that LEDs lights may actually be ruining the look of your productions? And no, this problem can’t be fixed in the grade. We put seven different brands of LEDs lights to the test, capturing with a Red Epic Dragon camera. Then we discuss the results and how they’re going to affect the creative choices that you make on set.

Is it possible to have a lightweight, high quality, reasonably priced matte box that works on a number of camera rigs? In this review we take a close look at the Bright Tangerine Misfit Matte Box to see if it delivers.

Tricks of the Trade

LED Database

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